Category Archives: bars

The Balmoral

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Disabled access Glasgow has gone east again.
The Balmoral is that old, large, grand building at the end of Princes Street. It houses a hotel, spa, bar and restaurant. I admit it is very pricey but if you fancy a special treat it serves delicious food, amazing cocktails all in a seriously elegant setting.
The science bit:
There is ramped access to the venue at the front and level access to the bar and restaurant areas. There is also a disabled toilet available and the staff are more than helpful and accommodating.

Overall, it is an expensive but very accessible venue and if you fancy a touch of glamour you could always pop in for a cocktail – well recommended
http://www.thebalmoralhotel.com/

The left bank – Gibson Street

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The left bank on Gibson Street is probably quite a west end phenomenon. It is a beautiful relaxed deli cafe/bar that serves cuisine which encapsulates flavours of the Middle East and a nice mix of drinks including cocktails.
the variety of food is impressive-  from an all day weekend brunch, to small sharing plates, full evening meals as well as more formal graduation menus.
It has a lovely relaxed feel with comfy chairs and small tables dotted around the wood clad venue all faced by the massive floor to ceiling windows.
it is reasonably priced and the staff are exceptionally friendly- all of this means that you can queue a while on weekends to get a spot

The science bit
There is level access to the venue, disabled loo and to tables on the ground floor
There is a mezzanine and a level below but staff are accommodating if you request a table on level
if you have a good a blue badge parking can usually be found on the street outside otherwise or it’s metered spaces up the street or at Kelvin Bridge Underground station carpark (10mins walk over quite uneven hilly surfaces)
at the weekends they don’t take table bookings so having to queue might be negative for some
Otherwise I thoroughly recommend this as to wheelchair users or anyone  looking for some different deli food

Brel – Ashton lane

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Brel is a belgian bar in the lovely Ashton Lane
Positives
- level access to bar and some dining tables
- disabled loo available, clean and free of clutter
- great food especially sharing small plates and nice lively atmosphere (often do live music etc)
negatives
- narrow door and COBBLES on ashton lane can be a bit of a nightmare
- parking generally tricky in the west end. there is a car park nearby off great george street but will have to pay and is also slightly uphill from restaurant Overall though it’s one of the few on the level restaurants in ashton lane and is definitely worth a look

Tony Macaronis- Byres Road

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Tony macaronis on byres road is a great classy Italian restaurant and champagne bar. Overall it is a great Italian and good spot for a night out with friends. There’s a nice buzz, the food’s delicious and not too pricey
The science bit
- level access through one set of doors
- relatively good room to get about inside
- disabled loo accessible clean and not full of junk
- staff really helpful when I phoned to check in advance
Suitable for wheelchair users
Downsides: No nearby parking and there is upstairs bit so would need to specific downstairs table when booking

Strata – Queen Street

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Strata in Queen Street is a recently reopened cocktail bar and restaurant. It used to be one of the more popular Glasgow cocktail bars but closed for a number of years so if you Google you may find it seems to be closed. I promise it’s very much open for business.
Positives
-level access to restaurant
-disabled toilet available, although lacking an emergency cord
-staff very friendly and helpful
-good menu ranging from light lunchtime snacks to more substantial dishes but far more sophisticated than your usual pub grub
-good selection of more unusual cocktails albeit not as many as used to be available -likely, trendy bar with a good bit of buzz
Negatives
-some areas of the restaurant do not have level access so should specify when booking a groundfloor table
-partying in this part of town is very difficult. There are one or two disabled on street spaces in the surrounding area. And there is an NCP car park at Central Station and the car park at St Enoch  centre although both of these are about 10 minutes walk away.
Parking aside, this is a relatively accessible cocktail bar and restaurant situated nicely between Buchanan Street, Royal exchange square and merchants city and I would thoroughly recommend it.

Boudoir wine bar – Merchant city Square

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Boudoir wine bar is a sophisticated wine and cocktail bar in Merchant city Square.
Positives
-Level access from within the square or from the street at all entrances. though power-assisted doors are available at the entrance where candleriggs meets bell Street
-One slight downward ramp into main part of bar otherwise level access
-Disabled toilet available and clean
-Table service is standard, which avoids the difficulty of negotiating towards and waiting at the bar
-Good selection of moderately extensive wine, champagne and cocktails. Decadent decor with black velvet draped curtains and candles
-parking available at NCP car park along the road. However, terrain in car park very uneven
-Marshalled taxi rank available 5 minutes down the street if prefer not to drive
-Merchant city Square, has a range of other accessible bars and restaurants providing for a good night out
Negatives
-small venue, on a busy Saturday night could be difficult to manoeuvre and wheelchair in the main part of the bar and into the toilet. Although, there is a small area near the entrance which is usually quieter.
-some tables are booths so when booking remember to ask for a table with movable sitting
Overall, this is a great sophisticated cocktail and wine bar for those with mobility difficulties. However, for those who use a wheelchair it may be challenging at busy times. http://www.boudoirwinebar.com/

The Lane -Ashton Lane

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The Lane is a small bar attached to Grosvenor cinema in Ashton Lane.
Positives
there is level access to the venue and it is level throughout.
There is a disabled toilet available and is level access to all the bathrooms. The bar offers a range of cocktails, alcoholic drinks and non-alcoholic hot beverages at reasonable prices. Especially offering student deals most nights of the week. It also provides a selection of light snacks and freshly made cakes throughout the day.
It has links to the adjacent cinema and drinks and food can be brought through. It has a nice vintage film decor and is a good spot from laid-back drink or a good chat
For any disabled smokers, there is a smoker’s area outside the bar with warm patio heaters
Negatives
parking is difficult as usual on byres road but there is a paying car park five minutes away along Ashton lane
The Lane bar can only be accessedalong the uneven cobbled Ashton Lane.
Overall I really rate this as a very accessible trendy bar that will suit you whether you need somewhere for a quiet coffee and cake or for your Friday night drinks  http://www.grosvenorcafe.co.uk/lane.php

The Gallus Pub – Dumbarton Road

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Positives
Seating is available on the level but it is mostly fixed booths
there is a disabled toilet available with the key from the bar. Other toilets are also available on the level
This is a lively local pub with a range of activities most nights of the week including pub quiz, live music and showings of sporting events.
Negatives
the church st entrance has five steps down. The alternative entrance is up one large step and then through two double doors.
Parking can be found on Church Street but is about 20 to 40 m from the venue
Overall this venue is not suitable for wheelchair users but maybe suitable for those with mobility implements who can manage one step and transferring to booth seating. http://bargallus.com/

The Richmond – woodlands

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The Richmond describes itself as a modern  gentleman’s club  and doesn’t disappoint
Positives
Level access venue, venue level throughout
Movable seating to accommodate wheelchairs at most tables
Disabled toilet available
Parking is limited as always in the west end but better here than most places as it’s situated in a cul de sac and near the park and ride for the subway. As well as being on a couple of bus routes.
It’s also just opposite Kelvingrove park if you want a wee post lunch wander This place has really friendly and helpful staff
The food is mix of trendy cafe bites including burgers, sandwiches, wraps and sharing plates but REALLY well done with great flavors and generous portions. It also offers a varied and different from the norm cocktail menu.
Negatives: No dedicated disabled parking??
Overall, it all comes together for me with the main positive being the overall feel of a cool chilled out spot in the heart of the west end for a lazy weekend brunch or classy weeknight dinner. A great new trendy and accessible west end wonder http://therichmondglasgow.com/